According to a statement released by the institution, the exhibit turned into a “flashpoint of violence” between pro- and anti-Trump protestors. “The installation created a serious and ongoing public safety hazard for the museum, its visitors, its staff, local residents, and businesses. While the installation began constructively, it deteriorated markedly after one of the artists was arrested at the site of the installation and ultimately necessitated this action.”

Clashes on the site have since led to “numerous arrests,” which forced the museum to hire 24/7 police protection.

According to PageSix, community leaders and neighbours were forced to file several complaints about visitors loitering and urinating in the neighbourhood. “The concern is the quality of life. There’s action going on during unacceptable hours. The museum needs to find a way to make the project better for everyone involved,” community board manager Florence Koulouris told the New York Post.

An unidentified man walked up to the camera and referred to the numbers 14 and 88, which are associated with white supremacist slogans.

LaBeouf and the rest of the crowd repeatedly chanted “He will not divide us,” and the man circled back and appeared to recite a white supremacist slogan. The American Honey actor immediately confronted the man by shouting the project’s mantra in his face.